According to the school’s website, Landsberry was an eighth grade math teacher. He was known as a fun-loving mentor; one student remarked on Twitter that before tests, he would tell students: “Let the force be with you.”

Landsberry was not just a teacher but also coached Sparks’ soccer team. One student said that before games, he would let players touch his bald head for good luck.

Another ex-student of Sparks said that Landsberry was also the school’s basketball coach.

Many students noted in their grief that Mr. Landsberry was already regarded as a hero in the school before his actions today.